Did you know that The YMCA ..... Invented volleyball, basketball and racquetball? Pioneered camping, public libraries, night school and Father's Day? Is the Nation's largest provider of childcare? |
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| National YMCA Volunteer founded and volunteer led, the YMCA was established in London, England, in 1844 by George Williams (photo at right), a draper’s shop assistant, to give young men an alternative to life on the streets. In 1851, Thomas Sullivan, a retired sea captain and lay missionary, started the first U.S. YMCA in Boston. From there, YMCAs spread rapidly across America. Some were started to serve specific groups such as railroad and factory workers, as well as African Americans, Native Americans and recent immigrants. After World War II, women and girls were admitted to full membership and participation. |
YMCA's strength is in the people they bring together. Today about half of YMCA members are
female and about half are under 18, with members ranging in age from infants to elders. All faiths
are represented. Moreover, YMCA financial assistance policies ensure that no one is turned away for
inability to pay.
In the 1990s, the YMCA movement renewed its commitment to developing character by identifying
four core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Character development is a YMCA
philosophy meant to be incorporated in every program, entrenched in everything we do, and
promoted to members, donors, volunteers, and staff members.
YMCAs have been so successful because they are driven by community needs and guided by
community volunteers. Each YMCA uniquely reflects the community it serves, doing its part in
building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.
female and about half are under 18, with members ranging in age from infants to elders. All faiths
are represented. Moreover, YMCA financial assistance policies ensure that no one is turned away for
inability to pay.
In the 1990s, the YMCA movement renewed its commitment to developing character by identifying
four core values: caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Character development is a YMCA
philosophy meant to be incorporated in every program, entrenched in everything we do, and
promoted to members, donors, volunteers, and staff members.
YMCAs have been so successful because they are driven by community needs and guided by
community volunteers. Each YMCA uniquely reflects the community it serves, doing its part in
building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.
Penobscot Bay YMCA
At one time, there were individual Ys in Camden, Rockport and
Rockland. The beginning of the Penobscot Bay YMCA was on
October 6, 1915. It was at that time that the Camden board voted to
construct their own facility and house their own programs. The
Camden YMCA opened its doors on April 10, 1916 on Chestnut
Street where it would operate for more than 86 years. The Chestnut
Street building was never big enough to accommodate all of the
dreams and ideas of the community, despite multiple expansions.
The first capital campaign raised $242,000 to construct a swimming
pool. In 1979, the next campaign, with a goal of $750,000,
improved the pool, built racquetball/squash courts, a larger gym, and
other rooms.
At one time, there were individual Ys in Camden, Rockport and
Rockland. The beginning of the Penobscot Bay YMCA was on
October 6, 1915. It was at that time that the Camden board voted to
construct their own facility and house their own programs. The
Camden YMCA opened its doors on April 10, 1916 on Chestnut
Street where it would operate for more than 86 years. The Chestnut
Street building was never big enough to accommodate all of the
dreams and ideas of the community, despite multiple expansions.
The first capital campaign raised $242,000 to construct a swimming
pool. In 1979, the next campaign, with a goal of $750,000,
improved the pool, built racquetball/squash courts, a larger gym, and
other rooms.
At the end of its tenure, the Camden Area YMCA on Chestnut Street serviced 2,160 members with little
space available for new or expanded offerings. The 29,500 square foot facility had serious problems
including: overcrowding of the four-lane pool, small gym, unsafe on-street only parking, lack of ADA
compliance, no outdoor play area, limited multipurpose program space and antiquated ventilation and
operating systems. During 1998—2003, the Board’s single highest priority was to implement a new service
vision: to meet the needs of a wider service area and expand programming to teens, seniors and the
disabled. A decision was made to embark on a $7 million capital campaign to construct a facility that
would service our members and community for the next 50 years. After careful review of the initial plans
for a 62,000 square foot facility and needs of the community, the capital campaign was increased to $10.5
million.
On November 11, 2002, the Penobscot Bay YMCA opened its new 62,000 square foot facility in Rockport.
Since opening, membership has grown to almost 5,000. Service goals are on track with expanded
programming for teens, seniors and those with specific needs.
Simply put, the YMCA is a place where children discover themselves…an outreach post for teens…a
gathering spot for families…and a social center for seniors.
space available for new or expanded offerings. The 29,500 square foot facility had serious problems
including: overcrowding of the four-lane pool, small gym, unsafe on-street only parking, lack of ADA
compliance, no outdoor play area, limited multipurpose program space and antiquated ventilation and
operating systems. During 1998—2003, the Board’s single highest priority was to implement a new service
vision: to meet the needs of a wider service area and expand programming to teens, seniors and the
disabled. A decision was made to embark on a $7 million capital campaign to construct a facility that
would service our members and community for the next 50 years. After careful review of the initial plans
for a 62,000 square foot facility and needs of the community, the capital campaign was increased to $10.5
million.
On November 11, 2002, the Penobscot Bay YMCA opened its new 62,000 square foot facility in Rockport.
Since opening, membership has grown to almost 5,000. Service goals are on track with expanded
programming for teens, seniors and those with specific needs.
Simply put, the YMCA is a place where children discover themselves…an outreach post for teens…a
gathering spot for families…and a social center for seniors.
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THE PENOBSCOT BAY YMCA A Midcoast Tradition Since 1916 |
